Genesis 15:1

After these things the word of the LORD came unto Abram in a vision, saying, Fear not, Abram: I am thy shield, and thy exceeding great reward.

1. "After these things"

a. I don't think it is coincidence that immediately after Abram's complete obedience in this covenant of war and rescue he has a tremendous spiritual encounter with God. Especially after Abram's turning down the offer of the King Of Sodom in order to fully obey his responsibility in the covenant obedience in the valley of Shaveh.

b. Remember also this chapter is the revelation of the unconditional covenant of the land given to Abram and his seed.

2. "the word of the LORD came to Abram in a vision"

a. This is no other but the pre-incarnate Christ.

1). John 1:1 "In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.

2). John 1:14 "And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth."

3). Hebrews 4:12, 13 "For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any two edged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.
Neither is there any creature that is not manifest in his sight: but all things are naked and opened unto the eyes of him with whom we have to do."

4). Revelation 19:11-16 "And I saw heaven opened, and behold a white horse; and he that sat upon him was called Faithful and True, and in righteousness he doth judge and make war.
His eyes were as a flame of fire, and on his head were many crowns; and he had a name written, that no man knew, but he himself.
And he was clothed with a vesture dipped in blood: and his name is called the Word of God.
And the armies which were in heaven followed him upon white horses, clothed in fine linen, white and clean.
And out of his mouth goeth a sharp sword, that with it he should smite the nations: and he shall rule them with a rod of iron: and he treadeth the winepress of the fierceness and wrath of Almighty God.
And he hath on his vesture and on his thigh a name written, KING OF KINGS, AND LORD OF LORDS."

3. "saying, Fear not, Abram: I am thy shield, and thy exceeding great reward."

a. shield (4043 * meginnah) a protector, the scaly hide of a crocodile, armed, buckler, defence, ruler, shield.

1). This is the reason for the complete victory and slaughter of Abram over the kings of Mesopotamia. There was a spiritual battle that took place that resulted in Abram's victory.

b. reward (7939 * sakar) payment of contract, salary, fare, maintenance, compensation, benefit:- hire, reward, wages, worth.

1). Hebrews 11:6 "But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him."

2). Abrams obedience in the covenant from Genesis 14:13-24, was nothing but a diligent obedience in seeking God, and Abram's reward was not the wealth of the cities of the plain, but God Himself. He is our reward when we diligently seek him. Halleluiah!

My name is Don Costello. Ever since I received Christ in November of 1976 I have had a passion to study and know God's word.My wife Melissa and I have 5 children.

My e-mail address is costello.don@gmail.com

I have a blog located at:
http://www.theophilus-loverofgodsword.blogspot.com/